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REL Planar PL-1 & PL-2
REL Acoustics introduced a new line of active subwoofers designed for hi-fi and home theater systems in which a conventional floor-standing box can be awkward both acoustically and visually. The new range consists of two models, the PL-1 and PL-2, both of which can be mounted directly on the wall, much like a decorative panel or framed picture. This is not simply another variation on the familiar subwoofer placed in the corner of a room, but an attempt to rethink where low frequencies can come from in a domestic audio system. REL has built much of its reputation on subwoofers intended not only for home theater, but also for ambitious stereo systems, and Planar is aimed at a very specific set of needs - deeper bass, better integration with interior design, greater installation flexibility and less intrusion into everyday living space.
REL Acoustics is a British manufacturer specializing in subwoofers, known for a consistent approach to extending low-frequency performance in both stereo and multichannel systems. The company has long promoted the idea that a subwoofer should not be treated merely as an effects device, but as an element that supports the foundation, scale, spatial impression and dynamic behavior of the entire system. With the Planar series, that philosophy has been transferred into a form intended to fit more easily into modern living rooms, lounges and installations where audio equipment increasingly has to coexist with the architecture of the space rather than dominate it visually.
The most distinctive feature of the PL-1 and PL-2 is their flat enclosure, only 144 mm deep. The larger PL-2 measures 650 x 480 x 144 mm and weighs 20.25 kg, while the more compact PL-1 measures 522 x 492 x 144 mm and weighs 18.9 kg. Both models therefore remain full-size designs in terms of mass and acoustic ambition, but their proportions have been shaped around wall placement. REL emphasizes that the wall is not a compromise here, but part of the operating concept. By working close to a large boundary surface, the subwoofer can take advantage of boundary reinforcement, helping it deliver deeper and more evenly distributed bass without occupying floor space.
The larger PL-2 uses an 8-inch long-throw FlatPiston active driver mounted in a steel chassis, together with a 10-inch FibreAlloy passive radiator. According to REL, its low-frequency extension reaches 24 Hz at -6 dB in-room. This is the model intended for larger systems where discreet installation is only part of the equation, and where deeper extension and greater low-frequency scale are also important. The smaller PL-1 uses two 6.5-inch long-throw FibreAlloy active drivers and a 10-inch passive radiator made from the same material. REL specifies extension down to 31 Hz at -6 dB in-room. This configuration is aimed at applications where mounting flexibility, easier visual integration and a smaller physical presence take priority.
The Planar series has been conceived for both classic two-channel systems and home theater installations. In stereo, the subwoofers are intended to reinforce the foundation of the sound without disturbing tonal balance, timing or midrange clarity. In multichannel systems, they can be placed on side walls, rear walls, behind the listening position or near the center channel. REL connects this approach with its 3D concept, which involves using multiple subwoofers to create a more even low-frequency field in the room. In practice, Planar may therefore appeal not only to users who lack space for a conventional subwoofer, but also to those building more elaborate and visually cleaner installations.
Connection and installation are also central to the concept. REL says Planar is the company's first subwoofer range with built-in wireless connectivity, which should make it easier to place the unit where it works best both acoustically and visually. A wall bracket is supplied in the box, while the optional Planar Cart offers an alternative to wall mounting by allowing the subwoofer to stand away from the wall and be moved within the system. REL stresses that this is not only about convenience, but also about preserving the correct distance from the surface behind the subwoofer and maintaining stable, predictable low-frequency behavior.
REL has also paid close attention to the visual side of the design. Planar models will be available in Piano Black and Gloss White finishes, with a choice of grille options allowing the appearance to be adjusted. Fabric grilles are intended to help the subwoofer disappear more easily against a wall, while more decorative wooden grilles can turn it into a visible part of the interior. In this sense, Planar reflects a broader trend in audio design, where equipment is increasingly expected not to force a choice between sound quality and the character of the room. The flat form, wall-mounting option and combination of active drivers with passive radiators are intended to deliver low bass without the visual impact of a large cabinet next to speakers or an AV unit. It is also worth remembering that despite the built-in wireless signal transmission, this is not a completely cable-free solution. The subwoofer still requires power, so in practice the quality of the installation, access to an outlet and preparation of the mounting location will remain important. The REL Planar PL-1 and PL-2 will roll out soon, with retail pricing is listed at $2,499 for the PL-1 and $3,299 for the PL-2. Dealers also list optional configurations with grille and Planar Cart add-ons, bringing the PL-2 up to $3,798 with a grille, $3,598 with the cart, or $4,097 with both accessories. Official European and UK pricing has not yet been confirmed. Info and photos by REL Acoustics.
